Bhikkhu Association in Europe requests to allow incarcerated monks to wear robes

The Sri Lankan Bhikkhu Association in Europe has submitted a letter to the Commissioner General of Prisons requesting legal provisions to allow incarcerated Buddhist monks to wear their monastic robes, their official ecclesiastical attire, instead of lay clothing when they are taken outside prison for any purpose.

The special letter addressed to the Commissioner General of Prisons bears the signatures of the Chief Secretary of the Sri Lankan Bhikkhu Association in Europe and Chief Sanghanayaka of Cyprus, Most Venerable Morawaka Soratha Nayaka Thero, and its President and Chief Adhikarana Sanghanayaka of Germany, Most Venerable Rathmale Punnaratana Nayaka Thero.

The association stated that while it respects the country’s judiciary and its rulings, and acknowledges that monks convicted under the law must comply with prison regulations, seeing monks dressed in lay clothing when they are taken outside prison causes deep distress to both Buddhist and non-Buddhist communities, particularly when such images are broadcast through mainstream and social media.

The association further emphasized that since these monks are expected to return to religious and spiritual service in society after completing their sentences, punishment should promote rehabilitation while preserving their personal dignity.

Therefore, the association expressed confidence that allowing monks to wear their robes when taken outside prison would provide solace to the general public while enhancing the reputation of the Department of Prisons.

Copies of the letter containing this request have also been forwarded to the Most Venerable Mahanayaka Theros, the President, and the relevant subject Minister.